The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach – they’re sharing their college experiences, as well. Kisha graduated from University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in English. She is now a Houston tutor specializing in Writing tutoring, Essay Editing tutoring, Reading tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Check out her review of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff:

VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike?

Kisha: The campus setting at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is very urban; however, it is a safe environment. There are buses, but they are very limited. You may need a car if you do not live on campus or in the surrounding neighborhood.

VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants?

Kisha: The professors were very available, especially in my department—English. I do not remember a lot of teaching assistants, but I do remember quite a few student-led organizations for each major that helped freshmen and upperclassmen on campus.

VT: How would you describe the dorm life – rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students?

Kisha: I lived off-campus, so I do not know much about the dorm life, but there were plenty of opportunities to socialize with classmates on campus once I arrived. There were dances and balls on campus, as well as a theatre where we could watch students perform.

VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study?

Kisha: Although the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a liberal arts university, agriculture plays an important role at this campus, as well. I studied English because I enjoy literature and rhetoric. The university is one of the oldest historically black schools in the nation, so the university supports students in any area of study as much as possible.

VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life?

Kisha: Because Pine Bluff is a small city, it was not hard to meet others on campus and to get to know them throughout the city, as well. Yes, Greek life was an exciting part of the campus social life.

VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus?

Kisha: The Career Center was extremely helpful. I was a part of the Youth Motivational Task Force that our career services department created for students on campus. Each spring semester, employers would come to our campus for an entire week to speak to students, network, and review resumes. As an upperclassman, I had the opportunity to escort employers around campus to speak to students about life after college.

VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious?

Kisha: Although I always chose to study at home, each one of the above study areas were available, easily accessible, and spacious if I needed to utilize any one of them.

VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus?

Kisha: Pine Bluff, Arkansas is a small retirement town, and the towns surrounding Pine Bluff were equally small, if not smaller. Most of us chose to go to Little Rock to enjoy the nightlife or to connect with other college students.

VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?

VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.

Kisha: There were a lot of memorable professors. They were supportive in their efforts to teach us to think creatively. My African Studies professor always encouraged us to be creative and proactive, and he supported and assisted us with the first English club on campus. We would host poetry nights and have talent shows, as well. Through this club, I learned a lot about teamwork and getting involved in the community.